Author
Topic: FS channels not working (Read 1794 times)

I have random channels that do not appear to be working (~20 don't have my notes with me). They are random, i.e no particular order. I've moved the flip-flop chips around thinking maybe problem follows, but it does not. I've had the FS for about 4 years now. There were a couple of channels in previous years that stopped working and are a part of the list that aren't working this year. Seems like more channels continue to stop working.

SSR4s work as I can move them around to good channels. Tried different cables as well.

So my question...

What can be investigated as the issue? Couple of things that I can think of...1. Reflash PIC... a little hesitant to do that now... show running with channels that work. Don't want to mess with it.2. Resolder those channels on the RJ45 connector side. Then follow back to the socket chip holders and hit those joints.3. 485 chip? I have one from a SSR DMX kit that I haven't assembled that I could put in.

I'm reactivating this thread. I've replaced the PIC and get the same result. Here is an interesting tidbit... I've switched to xLights and am using the Test tool functionality. When I attempt to turn on a channel that I knew was not lighting up the past, it behaves exactly the same (no light). However, if I select all models (created models 1-128) and turn background to full 255, I get lights on the channels that do not work when called individually. I'm not sure if this is correct behavior from the tool.

I don't have another FS. I hit all of the joints again. No change. I've swapped flip flops hoping problem follows. Does not follow the flip flop. I've replaced just about everything I have a spare of (all the chips and even the XTAL clock. The only thing I haven't tried is to replace the Rj45 jack.

I'm trying to reduce my need on the FS so I have enough working ports for the limited number of SSR4s that I use now. At some point in time I would like to pass the FS and SSR4s onto the next person who is getting into the hobby, but would like for the board to fully work.

Try testing with RJ's DMX deck You are not allowed to view links.
Register or Login and see if that causes the channel to work. If it does than the problem is in the Xlights setup. If not futher exploration is needed.

I'm starting to lean towards the RJ45 jack. I have not looked into the jacks deeply as the FS is out in the yard currently. When I bust down the display this year I will focus on the RJ45. I was even thinking of replacing a jack as a test. But to desolder those things... ugggh.

It isn't an xLights specific problem. I have had the problem with xLights, FPP and even Vixen 2.1 and 2.5. Same channels are out. It isn't a software configuration issue. It appears to be hardware.